gardener

The announcement came on the heels of an agreement with the Coalition of Los Angeles City Unions, which collectively represents gardeners, mechanics and clerks, who will take up to five unpaid holidays in 2026.

"It's not just the home of the ambassador, but it's also a centre of diplomatic hospitality," says Stephen Crisp, formerly the property's head gardener, who worked there for 37 years until his retirement last year.

“This space renews me and the other gardeners who grow plants here. I feel more content when I’m here.”

Since federal agents had descended on California, apprehending gardeners, day laborers and car wash workers en masse, residents in immigrant-heavy pockets like this one had mostly stayed inside.

In the weeks since the budget proposal was announced, gardeners on Main and their neighbors have sent letters to representatives, voicing their opposition.